Louis Ludik ruled the roost at the Kingspan stadium last night as his brace of tries helped Ulster strengthen their position in the Pro12 top four.

Full-back Ludik scored a try in either half to supplement finishes from Craig Gilroy and Paul Marshall as the hosts picked up what could prove to be a very valuable try bonus point.

Ulster burst into action from the first whistle, Stuart Olding making the first of a new number of powerful carries by the home side in a sustained attack, before Paddy Jackson’s clinical miss pass allowed Gilroy to run the score in for his seventh PRO12 try in six matches.

Ruan Pienaar slotted the conversion home to ensure the hosts led 7-0 before their Welsh visitors had even touched the ball.

Cardiff had won their previous two PRO12 matches in a belated assault on the top six, but they were struggling to get a foothold in this match as the first half wore on, Pienaar again on target from the tee with a penalty to make it 18-0 after 31 minutes.

Gareth Anscombe slotted a three-pointer of his own from in front of the posts to register his side’s first score, before Isaacs grabbed a try.

Argentina international Lucas Amorosino was the architect, waltzing through the white shirted defence and offloading to Anscombe, who sent Isaacs in unimpeded.

That score seemed to set the game alight, with both sides finding gaps and playing some dynamic running rugby.

But the home crowd were silenced when Cuthbert crossing the hosts’ line after another period of incessant pressure by the Blues.

Another Pienaar penalty gave Doak’s side a little breathing space, but it was not until Ludik gathered a picture perfect Ian Humphreys cross-field kick to score in the right corner that the home faithful could begin to celebrate the success.

Marshall then gathered well to run home a score for the hosts that delivered the precious bonus point.